Acquazzurra Rooms, a guesthouse by the sea in Arbatax
Acquazzurra Rooms is a guesthouse on Viale Europa in Arbatax, in the Tortolì area of Sardinia. It offers simple, very clean rooms, self check-in and free parking, a short distance from Porto Frailis beach. I recommend it as a comfortable base for exploring Ogliastra.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Acquazzurra Rooms.
Where Acquazzurra Rooms is and how to get to Arbatax
Acquazzurra Rooms is a guesthouse at Viale Europa 21, in Arbatax, in the Tortolì area of Ogliastra. It sits in a quiet spot close to the sea: the listing puts it 800 metres from Porto Frailis beach, and one guest describes it as within walking distance. Another review places it just a few minutes from the centre of Tortolì.
To reach Arbatax you will want a car. Cagliari-Elmas airport is 131 km away, so it is not the quickest option, and you should allow for a good drive. On the plus side, parking is not a problem: there is space right in front of the building, and more than one guest mentions it as an advantage.
What the rooms are like and what is included
The rooms at Acquazzurra Rooms are simple but well kept, with everything you need to rest after a day at the beach. They have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe and a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries. Bed linen and towels are included, and the WiFi is free.
Some rooms have a balcony to enjoy the sea air. If that matters to you, ask when you book, as not all of them have one. Check-in is self-service, which helps if you arrive late, and breakfast is prepared yourself in the shared areas.
- Air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and shower
- Self check-in and free WiFi
- Free parking in front of the building
- Linen and towels included
What guests say
On Google the guesthouse has a rating of 4.8 from 44 reviews, a high score that matches what people write in their comments. The theme that comes up most often is cleanliness, described as spotless by several guests, followed by the friendliness of the hosts, who are always described as helpful and attentive.
Many also appreciate the location, handy for the beach and for getting around Ogliastra, and the good value for money. Some point out that the building has been renovated and that the rooms, though simply furnished, are well kept. One person who came for work found the place welcoming and tidy.
What to know before you book
There are a few limits, and it is better to know them up front. Acquazzurra Rooms is a guesthouse, so there is no kitchen available to guests: one visitor points this out and does not see it as a problem, since you are out all day. If you want to cook, look elsewhere.
There is also one negative review, from a few years ago, which describes rooms and bathrooms not being cleaned every day, and says this was not mentioned at the time of booking. More recent reviews talk about excellent cleanliness, but if daily tidying matters to you, write to the hosts and ask how it works.
- No kitchen for guests
- Self-service breakfast, not served at the table
- Balcony only in some rooms
- The airport is far, so it is best to drive
Who I recommend it for, and who should look elsewhere
I would choose Acquazzurra Rooms in Arbatax if you want a practical, clean base with good value for money for exploring the coast and the interior of Ogliastra. It works well for couples, friends and people travelling for work, since you spend the days out and come back to a comfortable, quiet room.
It is not the right place if you want hotel-style services, a served breakfast or an apartment with a kitchen. And if you need to know the room is made up every day, check that before you confirm.
What to do around Arbatax
From the guesthouse, Porto Frailis beach is the first stop, ideal for a swim without needing the car. Arbatax and Tortolì are the starting point for discovering Ogliastra, with beaches, villages and walking trails that guests often cite as the reason for their trip. For other parts of the island, have a look at B&B I Menhir in Sorgono, B&B I Quattroventi in Muravera and B&B Martina Senorbì in Senorbì.
For nature lovers, the listing mentions the Gola di Gorroppu gorge, 46 km away, an outing worth planning calmly. If you love the sea, you could also consider boat trips to the beaches of Orosei, which one guest described as a successful experience.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
